Just starting your photography business? Making the jump from part to full-time? Then this is the workshop for you! In this intimate setting (exclusive to PPA members!), you'll assess the competitive portrait landscape and acquire those necessary, but too often avoided, business skills. You'll learn the financial, tax and legal requirements of running your business, so that you are confident and legally compliant. This is not your cookie-cutter course: it's a program that was specifically developed for photographers. And it has been proven to make significant and positive impact in the participants' bottom line!

You'll be able to choose a business model that's the best fit for your studio

You'll compare your studio's numbers with industry averages and the best performing studios.

You'll put a plan in motion to take your business to the next level.

Utilizing PPA's Benchmark Survey, you'll learn industry standards that will help you understand your studio's numbers, and identify the changes you need to make to be more profitable.

It all adds up to making smarter decisions for your long-term success and putting a plan in motion to make your business thrive. Let's bring those clients to your door!

Business Basics for Portrait Photographers is brought to you by PPA's Business Services—the foremost authority on business education. Our instructors, one a photographer operating a profitable studio, and the other, PPA's own Bridget Jackson, a CPA who has worked with hundreds of studios, will team up to present you with the most comprehensive workshop in the industry.

Be sure to join PPA prior to registering. This exclusive workshop is only available to members!

Ann Monteith

M.Photog.Hon.M.Photog.Cr., CPP, ABI,API,A-ASP

Before finding her calling in photography, Ann Monteith taught high school English, college journalism, and was PR director at a local college. Now she’s known as a leading authority on studio business management. Ann serves as a consultant to studios throughout the country, both privately and under the auspices of major industry suppliers. A former chairwoman of the board of the PPA International School of Professional Photography and a past president of PPA, she received the Gerhard Bakker Award for excellence in teaching and the Charles H. “Bud” Haynes Award “for encouraging business awareness and practices.” A widely published author, she and her husband Jim are directors of Countryhouse Studios near Hershey, Pennsylvania, as well as a prestige portraiture business and teaching facility in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland.

What should I do to prepare for the class?The Business Basics Questionnaire (located under the Course Materials tab on this page) allows our instructors to learn more about your business prior to your attendance in the class. Please review, complete and email the questionnaire to PPA at sms@ppa.com.

What should I bring with me to the class?Attendees will receive a printed and bound copy of the full presentation with room for taking notes. Additional notepads/pens are suggested but not required. In order to respect our instructors, we request that you do not use your laptops, tablets or phones for note-taking.

What are the class hours?The class runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Look for a detailed class schedule via email the week prior to the class.

Do I need to be a PPA member to attend?PPA membership is required for all primary workshop registrants. Members may bring a non-member spouse or studio colleague. Need to join PPA?

Will I receive merits for attending?Yes, attendees will receive two service merits.